Ocean can produce two types of energy: thermal energy from the sun's heat, and mechanical energy from the tides and waves.Ocean wave energy is captured directly from surface waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface. Wave power systems convert the motion of the waves into usable mechanical energy which in lump can be used to generate electricity.

Waves are caused by wind blowing on the surface of the water. Whereas tidal power relies on the mass movement of the water body, waves act as a carrier for kinetic energy generated by the wind.

Sudipta Sengupta said:
(Nov 3, 2011)

In India the research and development activity for exploring wave energy started at the Ocean Engineering Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in 1982. Primary estimates indicate that the annual wave energy potential along the Indian coast is between 5 MW to 15 MW per meter, thus a theoretical potential for a coast line of nearly 6000 KW works out to 40000-60000 MW approximately. However, the realistic and economical potential is likely to be considerably less.

Gautam Verma said:
(Apr 20, 2012)

Thanks sudipta.

Sanjay Kumar said:
(Mar 20, 2014)

Where this project was launched? was in Chennai or some other coastal towns.

Establishment of a 150 kW Pilot wave energy plant in 1991 at Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Vizhinjam wave energy plant was the world's first wave power plant working on Oscillating Water Column (OWC) technology.